How to know what is safe, what is real, and what is good.
My most important discovery about vanilla is the FDA warning against Mexican vanilla extract, which is often not real vanilla and contains a toxic ingredient called coumarin. Coumarin is dangerous for some since it is a blood thinner and considered toxic since it is a common ingredient in rat poison. Though the FDA has banned the import of Mexican vanilla extract, it is more often finding its way into U.S. stores and restaurants. Since this is only one of many ways vanilla extract is misrepresented as being real vanilla, a lot of people find it best to make their own vanilla extract from vanilla beans.
Vanilla Bean Retail Reviews:
- Vanilla Bean Review site: http://www.vanillareview.com/vanilla-bean-reviews-by-vendor/ (reviews on sites which sell vanilla beans) This site gives an indebth review on vanilla bean companies to include the quality of the beans and the customer service.
Vanilla bean appearance, smell and texture: Should smell good (different for each type of bean), should be flexible and oily. Dry, crackly, and mildewy beans are old and no good.
Extract Facts: When buying extract it is good to know that real vanilla will never be clear. It should have an amber color. If it has a dark murky color, then it is not made with vanilla and may get its color from toxic materials or artificial colors. Anything labeled "vanillin" is an artificial vanilla flavor made from chemicals.
Price: Shop around, but be wary of cheap vanilla since it may not be real. Rule of thumb is you get what you pay for. Furthermore, you are always better off buying beans and making your own extract. Like other flavor extracts, the recipe is quite easy. Take a look at this one: http://tipnut.com/homemade-vanilla-extract/
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